Targeted disruption of the mouse Gz-alpha gene: A role for GZ in platelet function?

G_Z is one of nine G proteins identified in platelets and its role in these cells is unknown. Our laboratory has generated a mouse deficient in the G_Z-alpha gene in the hope of determining its in vivo function. Bleeding times from the tail tip of G_Zα deficient mice was significantly longer than wild type mice. Platelet aggregation and ATP secretion did not differ between wild type and G_Zα deficient mice. When mice were presented with a thromboembolism challenge no differences were observed in the survival or mortality of wild type or G_Zα deficient mice, however a strain difference was observed. Ignoring the genetic background of a mutant mouse might lead to a misinterpretation of results and thus it is absolutely critical to take the genetic background into account when assessing any aspect of a mutant mouse.